This research paper examines the issue of quality management practices (QMPs) as a supporting tool for managing and improving the performance and competitiveness of enterprises. The aim of the paper is to present the interconnection of the practical use of QMPs concerning the performance in the Slovak manufacturing enterprises. One of the main causal factors that may influence the different utilization of QMPs is the capital structure of the surveyed enterprises. The consequence factor is the achieved performance, parameterized in this research through Return on Sales. During the period 2020 to 2021, 364 manufacturing enterprises were interviewed through a questionnaire. In order to keep the population, the industrial structure stratified sampling method was applied and the sample representativeness was assessed by using the Chi-square goodness-of-fit test. Pearson’s chi-square test, interval estimates of proportions, and analysis of contingency were implemented to test the stated research hypotheses. The results of performed analyses revealed the existence of significant relations among capital structure, the scale of the use of QMPs and performance measured by Return on Sales. The survey results also point to differences in the practical use of quality management within the analysed industries. The difference factor is the size of the enterprise, the industry itself, and partly also the technology and performance of the industry given by the added value. At the same time, space for the implementation of selected approaches and concepts related to quality management in manufacturing enterprises that have the potential for more effective management has been identified to increase competitiveness.

As was first stressed by the classical economists Adam Smith and David Ricardo, international trade plays a crucial role in the growth process. The paper aims to analyze the influence of foreign trade on economic performance in the wood processing industry (WPI) of Czechia and Slovakia. The multivariate regression method (MLR), assumption tests for MLR models, and Granger causality test were applied to identify association between foreign trade economic performance, and indicators were formed to measure the effects of foreign trade at the industry level. The Granger test revealed the unidirectional causality in the Slovak WPI and bidirectional causality in the Czech WPI. The results revealed that the net export growth has a positive effect on the economic performance of the industry, but only if the growth in imports is lower than in exports. The balanced trade balance indicated no influence of foreign trade on economic performance. The paper contributes to existing knowledge with indicators for evaluation of foreign trade effects on the performance of the industry. The paper also brings new empirical knowledge in trade balance effects on the economic performance of industries.

The use of controlling in the business sphere is relatively broad and its essence can be perceived diversely by enterprises of different sectors and sizes. The aim of the research is to identify the current state of the use of controlling in Slovak manufacturing enterprises with an assessment of the perception of its essence in terms of capital structure and business performance measured by the Return on Sales (ROS). Total of 347 enterprises were asked by means of stratified sampling in 2020. Goodness-of-fit test was used when examining the representativeness of the research sample and for individual hypotheses the two-sample test of relative frequencies, relative frequency test, 95% interval estimates of relative frequencies, contingency and Pearson’s chi-square test were applied. Testing confirmed the existence of statistically significant correlation between the capital structure of manufacturing enterprises and the level of wider perception and practical use of the essence of controlling in relation to the performance measured by ROS. In conclusion is demonstrated that the potential of controlling in enterprises is not fully used, especially in the form of comprehensive secondary coordination of management and the possible directions of using it are outlined, with a positive impact on business performance.

The importance and benefits of strategic management in the business sphere are declared in studies worldwide. It represents an extensive area for research. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the strategy formulation activities as well as the strategic management tools and techniques used by Slovak companies. Data on 365 manufacturing companies were obtained through an online questionnaire during 2020–2021. Selected methods of inductive statistics helped to analyze the data (the Pearson chi-square test and interval estimates for population proportion). The results show that the potential of analyzed strategy formulation activities is not filled in the Slovak companies. Enterprises only perform certain activities, and attention is focused mainly on setting strategic goals. It prevails a small orientation to sustainable development in strategic goals (only 22% of enterprises). The most used strategic management tools and techniques consist of an analysis of company resources, SWOT analysis, and customer satisfaction. From the point of view of the manufacturing area, no significant differences are defined in the use of the tools. The future management directions should include a variety of strategic management tools from the external environment. At the same time, the given tools should be supplemented with newer strategic tools ensuring flexibility and adaptation to dynamically changing conditions. AcknowledgmentWe wish to thank project VEGA: Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic (Project No.1/0093/23 Research on the circular economy potential in the Slovak business environment in the production of innovative products based on recycled materials wood – rubber – plastic).

Attaining optimal milling conditions in industrial applications presents a significant challenge. This paper investigates the influence of feed speed and rotational speed in CNC milling on plywood surface quality. Furthermore, it aims to optimize these parameters to minimize surface roughness and associated defects. The roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, Rp and Rv) were quantified using a Keyence VHX-7000 digital microscope. In addition to surface roughness analysis, delamination of veneers and the origins of surface irregularities were microscopically analysed. The polynomial regression models for Ra and Rz were subsequently developed to identify optimal milling conditions. At rotational speed of 20,000 rpm and at feed speed of 10 m min⁻¹ the lowest roughness was achieved. However, very rough fuzzy surface with kinematic traces of the tool, delaminated veneers and torn fibres had occurred at rotational speed of 12,000 rpm and at feed speed of 18 m min⁻¹. These results were supported by investigating the effect of feed per tooth and chip thickness on surface roughness. The highest coefficient of determination was observed between feed per tooth or chip thickness and Rp parameter. The main outcome of this paper was the identification of the most optimal combinations of technological parameters, considering the overall condition of the plywood surface.